Distractions (Sokka x Zuko) [COMPLETED]

Chapter Two

    After another seemingly endless shift, Sokka stifled a yawn as his replacement came to take over and walked away after giving her a small nod. It had been just over a week since he moved to the palace and he'd found another way to pass time. The overthinking about the invasion plan was making him stressed out but thankfully there were a few empty practise rooms for free use. So he could practise his sword fighting. 

    Stepping into the room, he was hit with a very pleasant drop in temperature. The Fire Nation sure had a lot of technological advantages. The room seemed to have some sort of conditioning to keep the area cooler. It was nice considering how hot the Fire Nation was- which was fitting of course. Fire = Hot.

    But after a year of humid air flying over the ocean and from within the swamp, the dry air from the desert and the earth kingdom and now the hot, humid air in the Fire Nation... A nice, temperature controlled room that was nice and cool and fresh feeling? Heaven. It kind of pumped him up and his enthusiasm to practise his forms increased.

_

    Iroh's words echoed relentlessly in Zuko's mind. No matter what he did, constantly, it was "you'll never reach internal peace without settling the battle within yourself" and the disappointed expression he was given when he turned against Iroh in Ba Sing Se. He couldn't sleep. Food tasted bland. Everything was just...

    He walked down the halls of the palace, not really in a rush to get anywhere. Then his troubled mind was cleared momentarily out of curiosity at the sound of calculated footsteps and some thumping noises. Following the noise, he found himself peering through the gap in a doorway into one of the practise rooms. Within it was a guard who was practising some sword forms.

    His movements were very fluid and sturdy but they weren't as advanced as his level likely was. Watching him for a bit, Zuko watched his strikes and counters with the air. He'd probably benefit from a sparring partner but there likely weren't any guards on his level. The black blade of his sword gleamed beautifully in the light from the lamps surrounding him. It was masterfully crafted and Zuko found himself wanting to take a closer look at it. Something seemed familiar about the way the hilt and blade connected. The forgery wasn't done masterfully but it was likely done within the presence of a master.

    Sokka finally turned towards him and Zuko ducked back out of view. Slightly peeking back through the gap after a few seconds. He was standing still now, his sword held casually at his side as he kneaded at his neck and winced a little. The light glinted off his striking blue eyes and Zuko felt his own glue to them. The sword quickly forgotten. 

    He looked so familiar... But why? Racking his brain, Zuko couldn't put his finger on it. Before he could turn back to get another glimpse and maybe determine where he knew the guard from; a voice from up the hall drew his attention.

    "Prince Zuko, the Firelord requests your attendance in the dining hall." A servant bowed ahead, gesturing to the left turn off in the hall.

    "Of course," Zuko nodded, making his way over. Feeling the thoughts return he repressed what would end up being an ugly look. "Thank you."

_

    Zuko was watching me practise my forms I am so dead. There's no way he didn't recognize me I'm gonna get burnt to a crisp and my remains will be fed to the Komodo rhinos.

    Sokka's hands were so clammy that his sword slipped out of his grasp and onto the floor. He'd sensed a presence but he didn't feel comfortable trying to discern exactly who it was. But out of all the people that could have possibly been peeping. Out of all the goddamn people. Zuko?!

    And why was he watching him for so long? What was his motive? What was he planning??

    His panic was interrupted by the door sliding open. He held back his instinct to just point his sword at whoever it was and instead tensed up and jerked his head in that direction.

    "Sorry! I didn't mean to startle you," Another guard was standing in the doorway, holding up her hands. "I just wanted to ask a favour."

    She stepped inside once Sokka relaxed a bit, taking off her helmet. Recognizing the woman, Sokka let a small smile grace his face and he fully relaxed.

    "Lin right?" She nodded. "What's up?"

    "I was wondering if you could cover my shift tonight? It's my son's birthday so I want to be home to celebrate..." 

    "Oh yeah of course!" Sokka nodded, kneeling down to pick up his sword again. "What are the details?"

    "It's from 6pm to 2am," She stated plainly. "Just at the Palace prison."

    Ah. Sokka's smile deteriorated ever so slightly. Wonderful.

    "Sounds good." He nodded to her. 

    "Thanks so much! You're a real lifesaver!" Lin grabbed his hand to hold it tightly.

    "No problem, say happy birthday to the special guy for me will you?"

    "Absolutely!" Lin's smile practically glowed in the lamp light.

_

    The prison wasn't as different from his other shifts. The only difference was the crushing weight of helplessness at the fact that there were likely several wrongly imprisoned people here that he couldn't do anything about.

    Apart from that though, it was just about as boring as his other shifts.

    "Hey, you new?" The guard up the hall asked lowly.

    Sokka looked over, pointing at himself. The guard nodded, leaning against the wall to face him.

    "Yeah it's my second week," Sokka answered softly. "I'm covering for Lin."

    "Oh yeah? How are you liking it?" The guy mused.

    "It's fine, a bit uneventful but I can't complain."

    "Beats being on the front lines- I can tell you that much," The guy shrugged. "I'd much rather be stationed in snooze town rather than end up dying to some rock chucker's on the front lines."

    "Right..." Sokka hid his grimace at the obvious distaste for earthbenders. 

    He'd just console himself with the knowledge that Toph would absolutely demolish this guy if they met. But with that thought came the gloomy feeling of homesickness. 

    He missed Toph and Aang and Katara. It was nice getting a break from Katara's constant nagging and their usual time-wasting shenanigans... But he missed them.